Capernwray Road Race

Sunday 19th April 2009; Promoted by Lune RCC

Words & Pictures by Ian McVety

Callum Nicholson (Team Herbalife/Wheelbase.co.uk) finished off in fine style what he started on lap one of the Lune RCC promoted Capernwray Road Race on Sunday 19th April.

 
Above: Callum Nicholson (Team Herbalife/WHEELBAS.co.uk) starts his winning move.

He attacked from the main group on the first ascent of the main climb up the aptly named Sunny Bank and was gradually joined by Dave Ebrell (Preston CC), Grahame Sumner (Great Brtitain Fire Service), Samuel Pedder (G.S. Surosa) and team mate Andrew Hawden. The five wasted no time in establishing a considerable lead and by the next  ascent of Sunny Bank they were 32” up. The third ascent of the courses other climb of Docker saw them 1’37” ahead and showing no signs of relenting.
 
Above: Break away of 5 ascend Docker.

Safe in the knowledge that his team mates were clear of the main peloton, Ashley Finn (Team Herbalife/WHEELBASE.co.uk) set off in a convincing solo effort to gain a place within the leading group. By the penultimate lap he was only 37” away from the group, when crushingly his chain snapped half way up Sunny Bank.

 
Above: Ashley Finn, (Team Herbalife/WHEELBASE.co.uk) in hot pursuit.

The remainder of the riders by now had splintered in to small groups spread out around the course, the hills and the unseasonably hot fine weather taking its toll. Nicholson has recently been gaining a reputation locally as a good time triallist but today he added to that by out-sprinting Sumner, a fine climber, on the up hill finish clenching his fist in defiance with a blooded nose he looked every bit the vanquishing warrior.

 
Above: Callum Nicholson (Team Herbalife/WHEELBASE.co.uk) clenches his fist in victory.

Jonathan Knox (Team Herbalife/WHEELBASE.co.uk) at only 16 yrs old riding his first senior race finished a very respectable 6th place taking the sprint from the main peloton.

 
Above: Jonathan Knox (Team Herbalife/WHEELBASE.co.uk) takes 6th place.

 
Above: Lune RCC would like to thank Mandy Jones, 1982 Women’s World Road Race Champion and now proprietor of G.S. Surosa in Oldham for kindly presenting the top ten with their prizes.

 
Above: Callum Nicholson(Team Herbalife/WHEELBASE.co.uk)

RESULTS
1. Calum Nicholson, Herbalife/Wheelbase.co.uk
2. Grahame Sumner, Great Britain Fire Service
3. Samuel Pedder, G.S. Surosa Under 23
4. Andrew Hawdon, Herbalife/Wheelbase.co.uk
5. David Ebbrell, Preston CC
6. Jonathan Knox, Herbalife/Wheelbase.co.uk Junior 
7. Dillon Byrne, Herbalife/Wheelbase.co.uk Under 23
8. Andrew Coupe, Preston CC Under 23
9. David Robinson, ActivCycles-Fentimans RT
10. Shane O'Neill, G.S. Surosa